Which PPE combination is essential when there is potential blood exposure?

• A. Bare hands; no PPE necessary.
• B. Gloves; eye protection; mask; gown as needed.
• C. Only gloves.
• D. Full hazmat suit.

Answer: (B)

Protecting yourself from blood exposure relies on standard precautions that guard skin and mucous membranes. Gloves provide a barrier for hands; eyes and mucous membranes are vulnerable to splashes, so eye protection is essential; a mask protects the nose and mouth from splashes or droplets; a gown adds a barrier for the body and clothing when there's a risk of splashing or contamination. Together, this set covers the main routes of exposure and can be adjusted (gown as needed) depending on the situation. Bare hands offer no protection; gloves alone leave eyes and face unprotected; a full hazmat suit is unnecessary for typical clinical blood exposure. Therefore, wearing gloves with eye protection, a mask, and a gown as needed is the most appropriate PPE combination.